Love and happiness in Thailand (video)
General Prayuth Chan-ocha the military ruler in Thailand has written the lyrics for a song: Returning Happiness To Thailand. This song, with the music of Wichian Tantipimolphan, can be seen and/or heard many times a day on radio and TV in Thailand. For Thailand lovers in the Netherlands and Belgium, here is a video with English subtitles.
Junta is tackling corruption at the local level
At the beginning of this month, the junta suspended all local and provincial elections. She is going to put the spending of money under the magnifying glass, because a lot of money disappears into the pockets of politicians.
Large-scale PR campaign for popular support
Five thousand soldiers march into the country to warm up the population to the junta's reform roadmap. 738 'community relations units' will 'sell' the ideas of the military authority. The information should lead to a 'better understanding' and a 'better image' of the junta.
The leadership of the Ministry of Education has discussed the idea of introducing a good deeds passport for all students. In this way, the education executives want to encourage students to contribute to society.
News from Thailand – July 24, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Human Rights Watch: No happiness, junta forces smiles
• Phitsanulok is heading for a major drought next year
• Wildlife corridor above and below highway in world heritage forest
Junta no babysitter for caretaker government
The military authority will not babysit when an interim cabinet has taken office. With this original comparison Visanu Krue-ngam, one of the architects of the provisional constitution, tries to allay concerns about continued interference from the junta.
The military authority puts the knife in the police force. On Monday evening, it announced three amendments to the police law, which aim to reduce political interference. But, as the Bangkok Post notes in an analysis, the concentration of power could potentially lead to a police state.
Today around noon it will become clear whether the World Cup Football can be followed on television for free. The military authority has insisted on this as part of its 'Returning Happiness to the People' policy.
Thai junta thinks economically
In addition to lifting curfews in Pattaya, Koh Samui and Phuket, Reuters news agency reports that the military who have taken over power in Thailand are announcing further economic emergency measures to save the economy.